US20020003936A1 - Fine spaced winding pattern for fiber optic coil - Google Patents
Fine spaced winding pattern for fiber optic coil Download PDFInfo
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- US20020003936A1 US20020003936A1 US09/174,833 US17483398A US2002003936A1 US 20020003936 A1 US20020003936 A1 US 20020003936A1 US 17483398 A US17483398 A US 17483398A US 2002003936 A1 US2002003936 A1 US 2002003936A1
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01C—MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY
- G01C19/00—Gyroscopes; Turn-sensitive devices using vibrating masses; Turn-sensitive devices without moving masses; Measuring angular rate using gyroscopic effects
- G01C19/58—Turn-sensitive devices without moving masses
- G01C19/64—Gyrometers using the Sagnac effect, i.e. rotation-induced shifts between counter-rotating electromagnetic beams
- G01C19/72—Gyrometers using the Sagnac effect, i.e. rotation-induced shifts between counter-rotating electromagnetic beams with counter-rotating light beams in a passive ring, e.g. fibre laser gyrometers
- G01C19/721—Details
- G01C19/722—Details of the mechanical construction
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/44—Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
- G02B6/4439—Auxiliary devices
- G02B6/4457—Bobbins; Reels
- G02B6/4458—Coiled, e.g. extensible helix
Definitions
- the present invention relates to fiber optic devices such as fiber optic rate sensors.
- a fiber optic rate sensor is frequently used in advanced global positioning and inertial guidance systems to sense rotation.
- a fiber optic rate sensor ordinarily comprises an interferometer which includes a light source, a beam splitter, a detector, and an optical path which is mounted on a platform.
- Light from the light source is split by the beam splitter into two light beams which are directed to opposite ends of the optical path.
- the two light beams counterpropagate around the optical path and, as the light beams exit the optical path, they are recombined.
- the recombined light beams are applied to a detector.
- the distance traveled by one of the light beams is greater than distance traveled by the other light beam, so that there is a phase difference between the two light beams at their optical path exit points.
- a sensing circuit connected to the detector determines this phase difference as an indication of the extent and direction of rotation.
- the optical path of a fiber optic rate sensor is provided by an optical fiber which is typically coiled around a spool or hub to form a winding configuration.
- the winding configuration usually has multiple layers where each layer contains multiple turns.
- coils used in fiber optic rotation sensors are typically wound as quadrupoles or as interleaved patterns.
- a first end of a continuous optical fiber is wound onto a first intermediate spool, and a second end of the continuous optical fiber is wound onto a second intermediate spool.
- the optical fiber on the first intermediate spool is used to wind a first layer of turns in a clockwise direction around the hub
- the optical fiber on the second intermediate spool is used to wind a second layer of turns in a counterclockwise direction over the first layer
- the optical fiber on the second intermediate spool is used to wind a third layer of turns oven the second layer of turns
- the optical fiber on the first intermediate spool is used to wind a fourth layer of turns over the third layer of turns.
- the resulting quadrupole winding pattern has a + ⁇ + winding configuration, where + indicates a layer wound from the first end of the optical fiber and where ⁇ indicates a layer wound from the second end of the optical fiber.
- the length of optical fiber in the “+” layers is equal to the length of optical fiber in the “ ⁇ ” layers.
- This quadrupole winding pattern may be repeated as often as desired for a fiber optic rate sensor. Accordingly, if a second quadrupole is wound with + ⁇ + layers about the first quadrupole, the resulting two quadrupole arrangement has a + ⁇ ++ ⁇ + winding pattern.
- the reverse quadrupole has a + ⁇ + ⁇ ++ ⁇ winding pattern and is generally referred to as an octupole.
- This octupole winding pattern may be repeated as often as desired for a fiber optic rotation sensor.
- a reverse octupole may be wound according to the following winding pattern: + ⁇ + ⁇ ++ ⁇ ++ ⁇ + ⁇ +.
- one or more layers of the coil are wound as alternating turns from first and second ends of an optical fiber. Accordingly, in such a layer, odd numbered turns are wound from a first end of the optical fiber, and even numbered turns are wound from a second end of the optical fiber.
- the result of such winding is that each turn (other than the outer turns) of an interleaved layer is wound from one end of an optical fiber and is sandwiched between two turns wound from the other end of the optical fiber.
- not all layers of a coil having an interleaved winding pattern are required to be wound with the interleaved winding pattern.
- all of the turns of the innermost layer of the coil can be wound from the same end of the optical fiber, or one or more groups of adjacent turns of the innermost layer of the coil can be wound from the first end of the optical fiber and one or more other groups of adjacent turns of the innermost layer of the coil can be wound from the second end of the optical fiber.
- valleys are created between adjacent turns of the first layer. These valleys provide nesting places for the turns wound in the second layer, and the turns of the second layer form valleys providing nesting places for the turns wound in the third layer, and so on.
- substantial force is usually required in order to nest the turns of one layer into the valleys provided by the adjacent turns of the previous layer. Because of this force, it is likely that the fiber in each turn will deform and push other turns that are adjacent in the same layer. Fiber deformation can cause displacement of turns of the fiber optic sensor.
- FIG. 1 shows a portion of a fiber optic coil 10 having first and second layers 12 and 14 .
- the tension that is applied to the optical fiber during the winding process deforms the fiber such as at turns 16 , 18 , 20 , and 22 from a circular shape to an oval shape.
- the fiber such as at turns 16 , 18 , 20 , and 22 from a circular shape to an oval shape.
- one or more fiber turns, such as the turn 22 will be misplaced from the valleys created by adjacent turns of the previous layer.
- the diameter of the optical fiber along its length can fluctuate from a nominal diameter.
- a fiber optic coil 30 in FIG. 2 if the size of the diameter of the optical fiber that is used to wind a first layer 32 increases slightly during the winding of a second layer 34 , a build-up of cumulative fiber placement error can result. As a result, one or more fiber turns, such as a turn 36 , will again be misplaced from the valleys created by adjacent turns of the previous layer.
- FIG. 3 A layer 40 having this interleaved winding pattern is shown in FIG. 3 where a first end of an optical fiber is used to wind turns 42 , 44 , 46 , 48 , and so on, and a second end of the optical fiber is used to wind turns 50 , 52 , 54 , and so on.
- each turn except for outer turns wound from one end of the optical fiber is sandwiched between two turns wound from the other end of the optical fiber.
- FIG. 3 A layer 40 having this interleaved winding pattern
- fluctuating buffer diameter and/or tension applied to the optical fiber during winding can also create winding errors with an interleaved winding pattern. These errors include fiber climbing, such as at a turn 60 , turn misplacement such as at a turn 62 , and missing turns.
- turns of a fiber optic coil may not be positioned as intended with the result that thermal transients and vibrations may cause performance of the fiber optic sensor to degrade.
- the present invention is directed to a fiber optic device that allows some space between adjacent turns in a layer so as to mitigate or avoid the thermal transient and vibration problems of the prior art.
- a fiber optic coil wound from optical fiber comprises first and second layers of turns.
- the first layer of turns is wound from the optical fiber, and the optical fiber in the first layer of turns has a first diameter.
- the second layer of turns is wound from the optical fiber, the turns of the second layer of turns are wound around the turns of the first layer of turns, the optical fiber in the second layer of turns has a second diameter, and the second diameter is less than the first diameter.
- a fiber optic coil comprises first, second, third, fourth, and fifth layers of turns.
- the first layer of turns is wound from a first portion of optical fiber, the first portion of optical fiber has a first diameter, and the first layer of turns has valleys.
- the second layer of turns is wound from a second portion of optical fiber, the second portion of optical fiber has a second diameter, the second layer of turns has valleys, the turns of the second layer of turns occupy the valleys of the first layer of turns, and the second diameter is less than the first diameter.
- the third layer of turns is wound from the second portion of optical fiber, the third layer of turns has valleys, and the turns of the third layer of turns occupy the valleys of the second layer of turns.
- the fourth layer of turns is wound from the second portion of optical fiber, the fourth layer of turns has valleys, and the turns of the fourth layer of turns occupy the valleys of the third layer of turns.
- the fifth layer of turns is wound from the second portion of optical fiber, and the turns of the fifth layer of turns occupy the valleys of the fourth layer of turns.
- a fiber optic coil comprises first through ninth layers of adjacent turns.
- the first layer of adjacent turns is wound from an optical fiber having a first diameter.
- the second through ninth layers of adjacent turns are wound from an optical fiber having a second diameter, the second through ninth layers of adjacent turns are wound in succession over the first layer of adjacent turns, and the second diameter is less than the first diameter.
- FIG. 1 illustrates winding errors caused by applying tension to an optical fiber during winding of a fiber optic coil
- FIG. 2 illustrates winding errors caused by fluctuating fiber diameter
- FIG. 3 illustrates an interleaved winding pattern
- FIG. 4 illustrates winding errors in an interleaved winding pattern caused by applying tension to an optical fiber during winding of a fiber optic coil and/or by fluctuating fiber diameter
- FIG. 5 illustrates a general winding pattern that incorporates the present invention
- FIG. 6 illustrates a quadrupole winding pattern that incorporates the present invention
- FIG. 7 illustrates an octupole winding pattern that incorporates the present invention.
- FIG. 8 illustrates an interleaved winding pattern that incorporates the present invention.
- a fiber optic coil 70 as illustrated in FIG. 5 includes layers 72 , 74 , 76 , 78 , and 80 .
- the fiber optic coil 70 may include any number of layers as desired.
- Each of the layers 72 , 74 , 76 , 78 , and 80 includes a plurality of turns wound from an optical fiber.
- the portion of optical fiber that is used to wind the turns in the layer 72 has an outer diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the portion of optical fiber used to wind the layers 74 , 76 , 78 , and 80 .
- an adhesive may be applied in order to bond the turns in the layer together and to bond one layer over a previously wound layer.
- the turns of the layer 72 may or may not be a functional part of the fiber optic coil 70 . If the turns of the layer 72 are to be a functional part of the fiber optic coil 70 , then there are a number ways of providing the turns of the layer 72 with a larger outer diameter than the turns of the remaining layers. For example, a first portion of larger diameter optical fiber may be spliced onto a second portion of smaller diameter optical fiber so that the layer 72 is wound from the first portion of optical fiber and the remaining layers are wound from the second portion of optical fiber.
- a first portion of optical fiber may be pre-coated to enlarge its diameter relative to the diameter of a second portion of the optical fiber so that the layer 72 is wound from the first portion of the optical fiber and the remaining layers are wound from the second portion of the optical fiber.
- the optical fiber at one end of the layer 72 is optically connected to the optical fiber beginning the layer 74
- the optical fiber at the other end of the layer 72 is optically connected to an end of the optical fiber beginning the layer 78 , assuming that the layers 72 , 74 , 76 , and 78 are to form a quadrupole winding configuration. If some other winding configuration is to be provided for the fiber optic coil 70 , then the ends of the layer 72 should be optically connected to appropriate layers of the fiber optic coil 70 .
- the optical fiber of the layer 72 is not optically connected to the optical fiber of any other layer.
- the adjacent turns in each of the layers 74 , 76 , 78 , 80 , etc. of the fiber optic coil 70 are non-touching. Indeed, a small space is provided between the adjacent turns. Accordingly, the turns in the layer 74 do not touch each other, the turns in the layer 76 do not touch each other, and so forth for subsequent layers of the fiber optic coil 70 . Therefore, the coil structure is free from winding defects, and the performance of the fiber optic coil 70 in thermal transient and vibration conditions is substantially enhanced over prior art fiber optic coils.
- the winding configuration provided by the fiber optic coil 70 permits a high degree of consistency in the coil winding pattern and structural integrity of the fiber optic coil 70 .
- the fiber optic coil 70 has substantial benefits.
- the fiber optic coil 70 need not be supported by a hub and instead may be a homogenous free-standing coil structure consisting only of optical fiber and adhesive.
- the present invention eliminates the need for such grooved hubs.
- grooved winding fixtures are also eliminated.
- the present invention permits the use of non-stick coated winding fixtures.
- the optical fiber of the fiber optic coil 70 may be wound in any type of winding configuration. Examples of three such winding configurations are shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 .
- a winding configuration 90 shown in FIG. 6 has a quadrupole winding arrangement.
- a winding configuration 110 shown in FIG. 7 has a reverse quadrupole or octupole winding configuration.
- a winding configuration 130 shown in FIG. 8 has an interleaved winding pattern. It is assumed that the first layer of turns in each of the winding configurations 90 and 110 is functional and that the first layer of turns in the winding configuration 130 is not functional. Thus, as explained above, the first layer of turns of a winding configuration may be either functional or non-functional.
- the winding configuration 90 includes layers 92 , 94 , 96 , 98 , 100 , 102 , 104 , and 106 .
- the turns of the layers 92 , 98 , 100 , and 106 are wound from a first end of an optical fiber and the turns of the layers 94 , 96 , 102 , and 104 are wound from a second end of the optical fiber.
- a portion of the first end of the optical fiber that is used to wind the turns of the layer 92 has an outer diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of (i) the second end of the optical fiber which is used to wind the layers 94 , 96 , 102 , and 104 and (ii) the remaining portion of the first end of the optical fiber which is used to wind the layers 98 , 100 , and 106 .
- the layer 94 includes turns wound from the second end of the optical fiber
- the layer 96 includes turns wound from the second end of the optical fiber
- the layer 98 includes turns wound from the first end of the optical fiber
- the layer 100 includes turns wound from the first end of the optical fiber
- the layer 102 includes turns wound from the second end of the optical fiber
- the layer 104 includes turns wound from the second end of the optical fiber
- the layer 106 includes turns wound from the first end of the optical fiber.
- One end of the optical fiber in the layer 92 is optically connected to an end of the optical fiber in the layer 94 , and the other end of the optical fiber in the layer 92 is optically connected to an end of the optical fiber in the layer 98 so that the layers 92 , 94 , 96 , and 98 form a first quadrupole winding configuration.
- the layers 100 , 102 , 106 , and 104 may be arranged to form a second quadrupole winding configuration. Additional quadrupoles may also be provided as desired.
- the layer 92 is not a functional part of the winding configuration 90 , then the layer 94 includes turns wound from a first end of an optical fiber, the layer 96 includes turns wound from a second end of the optical fiber, the layer 98 includes turns wound from the second end of the optical fiber, and the layer 100 includes turns wound from the first end of the optical fiber.
- the layers 94 , 96 , 98 , and 100 thus form a quadrupole. Subsequent layers may be wound in the same quadrupole winding configuration.
- the winding configuration 110 includes layers 112 , 114 , 116 , 118 , 120 , 122 , 124 , and 126 .
- the turns of the layers 112 , 118 , 122 , and 124 are wound from a first end of an optical fiber and the turns of the layers 114 , 116 , 120 , and 126 are wound from a second end of the optical fiber.
- a portion of the first end of the optical fiber that is used to wind the turns of the layer 112 has an outer diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of (i) the second end of the optical fiber which is used to wind the layers 114 , 116 , 120 , and 126 and (ii) the remaining portion of the first end of the optical fiber which is used to wind the layers 118 , 122 , and 124 .
- the layer 114 includes turns wound from the second end of the optical fiber
- the layer 116 includes turns wound from the second end of the optical fiber
- the layer 118 includes turns wound from the first end of the optical fiber
- the layer 120 includes turns wound from the second end of the optical fiber
- the layer 122 includes turns wound from the first end of the optical fiber
- the layer 124 includes turns wound from the first end of the optical fiber
- the layer 126 includes turns wound from the second end of the optical fiber.
- One end of the optical fiber in the layer 112 is optically connected to an end of the optical fiber in the layer 114 , and the other end of the optical fiber in the layer 112 is optically connected to an end of the optical fiber in the layer 118 so that the layers 112 , 114 , 116 , and 118 form a first quadrupole winding configuration.
- the layers 120 , 122 , 124 , and 126 may be arranged to form a reverse quadrupole winding configuration so that the layers 112 , 114 , 116 , 118 , 120 , 122 , 124 , and 126 form an octupole. Additional octupoles may also be provided as desired. Indeed, the turns in the layers 112 - 126 may be reversed in the next eight layers of a fiber optic coil and so on.
- the layer 112 is not a functional part of the winding configuration 110 , then the layer 114 includes turns wound from a first end of an optical fiber, the layer 116 includes turns wound from a second end of the optical fiber, the layer 118 includes turns wound from the second end of the optical fiber, and the layer 120 includes turns wound from the first end of the optical fiber.
- the layers 94 , 96 , 98 , and 100 thus form a quadrupole.
- a subsequent four layers may be wound as a reverse quadrupole to form an octupole with the layers 94 , 96 , 98 , and 100 .
- a next eight layers may be wound as a reversed octupole, and so on.
- the winding configuration 130 includes layers 132 , 134 , 136 , 138 , 140 , 142 , 144 , 146 , and 148 .
- the turns of the layer 132 are wound from a first optical fiber, and the turns of the layers 134 , 136 , 138 , 140 , 142 , 144 , 146 , and 148 are wound from a second optical fiber. Accordingly, the turns in the layer 132 are not a functional part of the winding configuration 130 although, as discussed above, the turns in the layer 132 could be functional.
- the first optical fiber that is used to wind the turns of the layer 132 has an outer diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the second optical fiber which is used to wind the layers 134 , 136 , 138 , 140 , 142 , 144 , 146 , and 148 .
- the layers 134 - 148 include alternate turns wound from the first and second ends of the second optical fiber.
- a specific interleaved winding pattern for the layers 134 - 148 is shown in FIG. 8, although other interleaved winding patterns can be employed. Examples of interleaved winding patterns are taught in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/668,485, which was filed on Jun. 21, 1996, and which has been allowed by the U.S. patent and Trademark Office. The disclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/668,485 is incorporated by reference herein.
Abstract
A fiber optic coil has a plurality of layers of turns. The turns of a first layer of the plurality of layers of turns are adjacent and are wound from an optical fiber having a first diameter. The turns of other layers of the plurality of layers turns are found from an optical fiber having a second diameter. The second diameter is less than the first diameter. The first layer may or may not be part of a sensing path provided by the plurality of layers of turns.
Description
- The present invention relates to fiber optic devices such as fiber optic rate sensors.
- A fiber optic rate sensor is frequently used in advanced global positioning and inertial guidance systems to sense rotation. A fiber optic rate sensor ordinarily comprises an interferometer which includes a light source, a beam splitter, a detector, and an optical path which is mounted on a platform. Light from the light source is split by the beam splitter into two light beams which are directed to opposite ends of the optical path. The two light beams counterpropagate around the optical path and, as the light beams exit the optical path, they are recombined. The recombined light beams are applied to a detector.
- If the optical path rotates, the distance traveled by one of the light beams is greater than distance traveled by the other light beam, so that there is a phase difference between the two light beams at their optical path exit points. A sensing circuit connected to the detector determines this phase difference as an indication of the extent and direction of rotation.
- The optical path of a fiber optic rate sensor is provided by an optical fiber which is typically coiled around a spool or hub to form a winding configuration. The winding configuration usually has multiple layers where each layer contains multiple turns. Although many different winding configurations are known, coils used in fiber optic rotation sensors are typically wound as quadrupoles or as interleaved patterns.
- In order to form a quadrupole, a first end of a continuous optical fiber is wound onto a first intermediate spool, and a second end of the continuous optical fiber is wound onto a second intermediate spool. Then, the optical fiber on the first intermediate spool is used to wind a first layer of turns in a clockwise direction around the hub, the optical fiber on the second intermediate spool is used to wind a second layer of turns in a counterclockwise direction over the first layer, the optical fiber on the second intermediate spool is used to wind a third layer of turns oven the second layer of turns, and the optical fiber on the first intermediate spool is used to wind a fourth layer of turns over the third layer of turns.
- If “+” and “−” are used to designate the first and second ends of the optical fiber, respectively, the resulting quadrupole winding pattern has a +−−+ winding configuration, where + indicates a layer wound from the first end of the optical fiber and where − indicates a layer wound from the second end of the optical fiber. Ideally, the length of optical fiber in the “+” layers is equal to the length of optical fiber in the “−” layers. This quadrupole winding pattern may be repeated as often as desired for a fiber optic rate sensor. Accordingly, if a second quadrupole is wound with +−−+ layers about the first quadrupole, the resulting two quadrupole arrangement has a +−−++−−+ winding pattern.
- It is also known to wind a reverse quadrupole from the “+” and “−” ends of the optical fiber. In this case, the reverse quadrupole has a +−−+−++− winding pattern and is generally referred to as an octupole. This octupole winding pattern may be repeated as often as desired for a fiber optic rotation sensor. Indeed, a reverse octupole may be wound according to the following winding pattern: +−−+−++−−++−+−−+.
- In order to form a coil having an interleaved winding pattern, one or more layers of the coil are wound as alternating turns from first and second ends of an optical fiber. Accordingly, in such a layer, odd numbered turns are wound from a first end of the optical fiber, and even numbered turns are wound from a second end of the optical fiber. The result of such winding is that each turn (other than the outer turns) of an interleaved layer is wound from one end of an optical fiber and is sandwiched between two turns wound from the other end of the optical fiber.
- Not all layers of a coil having an interleaved winding pattern are required to be wound with the interleaved winding pattern. For example, all of the turns of the innermost layer of the coil can be wound from the same end of the optical fiber, or one or more groups of adjacent turns of the innermost layer of the coil can be wound from the first end of the optical fiber and one or more other groups of adjacent turns of the innermost layer of the coil can be wound from the second end of the optical fiber.
- In winding coil patterns, valleys are created between adjacent turns of the first layer. These valleys provide nesting places for the turns wound in the second layer, and the turns of the second layer form valleys providing nesting places for the turns wound in the third layer, and so on. However, substantial force is usually required in order to nest the turns of one layer into the valleys provided by the adjacent turns of the previous layer. Because of this force, it is likely that the fiber in each turn will deform and push other turns that are adjacent in the same layer. Fiber deformation can cause displacement of turns of the fiber optic sensor.
- For example, FIG. 1 shows a portion of a fiber optic coil10 having first and second layers 12 and 14. The tension that is applied to the optical fiber during the winding process deforms the fiber such as at
turns turn 22, will be misplaced from the valleys created by adjacent turns of the previous layer. - Moreover, it is known that the diameter of the optical fiber along its length can fluctuate from a nominal diameter. As shown by a fiber optic coil30 in FIG. 2, if the size of the diameter of the optical fiber that is used to wind a
first layer 32 increases slightly during the winding of asecond layer 34, a build-up of cumulative fiber placement error can result. As a result, one or more fiber turns, such as aturn 36, will again be misplaced from the valleys created by adjacent turns of the previous layer. - Furthermore, in winding an interleaved pattern, alternating adjacent turns in a layer are wound from the first and second ends of an optical fiber. A
layer 40 having this interleaved winding pattern is shown in FIG. 3 where a first end of an optical fiber is used to wind turns 42, 44, 46, 48, and so on, and a second end of the optical fiber is used to wind turns 50, 52, 54, and so on. As can be seen from FIG. 3, each turn (except for outer turns) wound from one end of the optical fiber is sandwiched between two turns wound from the other end of the optical fiber. However, as shown in FIG. 4, fluctuating buffer diameter and/or tension applied to the optical fiber during winding can also create winding errors with an interleaved winding pattern. These errors include fiber climbing, such as at a turn 60, turn misplacement such as at aturn 62, and missing turns. - Accordingly, as described above, turns of a fiber optic coil may not be positioned as intended with the result that thermal transients and vibrations may cause performance of the fiber optic sensor to degrade.
- The present invention is directed to a fiber optic device that allows some space between adjacent turns in a layer so as to mitigate or avoid the thermal transient and vibration problems of the prior art.
- In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a fiber optic coil wound from optical fiber comprises first and second layers of turns. The first layer of turns is wound from the optical fiber, and the optical fiber in the first layer of turns has a first diameter. The second layer of turns is wound from the optical fiber, the turns of the second layer of turns are wound around the turns of the first layer of turns, the optical fiber in the second layer of turns has a second diameter, and the second diameter is less than the first diameter.
- In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a fiber optic coil comprises first, second, third, fourth, and fifth layers of turns. The first layer of turns is wound from a first portion of optical fiber, the first portion of optical fiber has a first diameter, and the first layer of turns has valleys. The second layer of turns is wound from a second portion of optical fiber, the second portion of optical fiber has a second diameter, the second layer of turns has valleys, the turns of the second layer of turns occupy the valleys of the first layer of turns, and the second diameter is less than the first diameter. The third layer of turns is wound from the second portion of optical fiber, the third layer of turns has valleys, and the turns of the third layer of turns occupy the valleys of the second layer of turns. The fourth layer of turns is wound from the second portion of optical fiber, the fourth layer of turns has valleys, and the turns of the fourth layer of turns occupy the valleys of the third layer of turns. The fifth layer of turns is wound from the second portion of optical fiber, and the turns of the fifth layer of turns occupy the valleys of the fourth layer of turns.
- In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a fiber optic coil comprises first through ninth layers of adjacent turns. The first layer of adjacent turns is wound from an optical fiber having a first diameter. The second through ninth layers of adjacent turns are wound from an optical fiber having a second diameter, the second through ninth layers of adjacent turns are wound in succession over the first layer of adjacent turns, and the second diameter is less than the first diameter.
- These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from a detailed consideration of the invention when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:
- FIG. 1 illustrates winding errors caused by applying tension to an optical fiber during winding of a fiber optic coil;
- FIG. 2 illustrates winding errors caused by fluctuating fiber diameter;
- FIG. 3 illustrates an interleaved winding pattern;
- FIG. 4 illustrates winding errors in an interleaved winding pattern caused by applying tension to an optical fiber during winding of a fiber optic coil and/or by fluctuating fiber diameter;
- FIG. 5 illustrates a general winding pattern that incorporates the present invention;
- FIG. 6 illustrates a quadrupole winding pattern that incorporates the present invention;
- FIG. 7 illustrates an octupole winding pattern that incorporates the present invention; and,
- FIG. 8 illustrates an interleaved winding pattern that incorporates the present invention.
- A
fiber optic coil 70 as illustrated in FIG. 5 includeslayers fiber optic coil 70 may include any number of layers as desired. Each of thelayers layers layers layers - As each layer is wound, an adhesive may be applied in order to bond the turns in the layer together and to bond one layer over a previously wound layer.
- The turns of the layer72 may or may not be a functional part of the
fiber optic coil 70. If the turns of the layer 72 are to be a functional part of thefiber optic coil 70, then there are a number ways of providing the turns of the layer 72 with a larger outer diameter than the turns of the remaining layers. For example, a first portion of larger diameter optical fiber may be spliced onto a second portion of smaller diameter optical fiber so that the layer 72 is wound from the first portion of optical fiber and the remaining layers are wound from the second portion of optical fiber. As another example, a first portion of optical fiber may be pre-coated to enlarge its diameter relative to the diameter of a second portion of the optical fiber so that the layer 72 is wound from the first portion of the optical fiber and the remaining layers are wound from the second portion of the optical fiber. In both examples, the optical fiber at one end of the layer 72 is optically connected to the optical fiber beginning the layer 74, and the optical fiber at the other end of the layer 72 is optically connected to an end of the optical fiber beginning thelayer 78, assuming that thelayers fiber optic coil 70, then the ends of the layer 72 should be optically connected to appropriate layers of thefiber optic coil 70. - If the turns of the layer72 are not to be a functional part of the
fiber optic coil 70, then the optical fiber of the layer 72 is not optically connected to the optical fiber of any other layer. - Because the diameter of the optical fiber that is used to wind the turns of the layer72 is larger than the diameter of the optical fiber that is used to wind the turns in the succeeding layers of the
fiber optic coil 70, the adjacent turns in each of thelayers fiber optic coil 70 are non-touching. Indeed, a small space is provided between the adjacent turns. Accordingly, the turns in the layer 74 do not touch each other, the turns in thelayer 76 do not touch each other, and so forth for subsequent layers of thefiber optic coil 70. Therefore, the coil structure is free from winding defects, and the performance of thefiber optic coil 70 in thermal transient and vibration conditions is substantially enhanced over prior art fiber optic coils. The winding configuration provided by thefiber optic coil 70 permits a high degree of consistency in the coil winding pattern and structural integrity of thefiber optic coil 70. - The
fiber optic coil 70 has substantial benefits. For example, thefiber optic coil 70 need not be supported by a hub and instead may be a homogenous free-standing coil structure consisting only of optical fiber and adhesive. Also, it is known to provide grooves around a hub upon which a fiber optic coil is wound in order to separate the turns in each layer so as to provide a gap between adjacent turns. The present invention, however, eliminates the need for such grooved hubs. Moreover, grooved winding fixtures are also eliminated. Furthermore, the present invention permits the use of non-stick coated winding fixtures. - The optical fiber of the
fiber optic coil 70 may be wound in any type of winding configuration. Examples of three such winding configurations are shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8. A windingconfiguration 90 shown in FIG. 6 has a quadrupole winding arrangement. A winding configuration 110 shown in FIG. 7 has a reverse quadrupole or octupole winding configuration. A winding configuration 130 shown in FIG. 8 has an interleaved winding pattern. It is assumed that the first layer of turns in each of the windingconfigurations 90 and 110 is functional and that the first layer of turns in the winding configuration 130 is not functional. Thus, as explained above, the first layer of turns of a winding configuration may be either functional or non-functional. - The winding
configuration 90 includeslayers layers layers layer 92 has an outer diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of (i) the second end of the optical fiber which is used to wind thelayers layers 98, 100, and 106. - Accordingly, the layer94 includes turns wound from the second end of the optical fiber, the layer 96 includes turns wound from the second end of the optical fiber, the layer 98 includes turns wound from the first end of the optical fiber, the layer 100 includes turns wound from the first end of the optical fiber, the
layer 102 includes turns wound from the second end of the optical fiber, thelayer 104 includes turns wound from the second end of the optical fiber, and thelayer 106 includes turns wound from the first end of the optical fiber. One end of the optical fiber in thelayer 92 is optically connected to an end of the optical fiber in the layer 94, and the other end of the optical fiber in thelayer 92 is optically connected to an end of the optical fiber in the layer 98 so that thelayers 92, 94, 96, and 98 form a first quadrupole winding configuration. Similarly, thelayers - It should be noted that, if the
layer 92 is not a functional part of the windingconfiguration 90, then the layer 94 includes turns wound from a first end of an optical fiber, the layer 96 includes turns wound from a second end of the optical fiber, the layer 98 includes turns wound from the second end of the optical fiber, and the layer 100 includes turns wound from the first end of the optical fiber. The layers 94, 96, 98, and 100 thus form a quadrupole. Subsequent layers may be wound in the same quadrupole winding configuration. - The winding configuration110 includes
layers layers layers layer 112 has an outer diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of (i) the second end of the optical fiber which is used to wind thelayers layers - Accordingly, the
layer 114 includes turns wound from the second end of the optical fiber, thelayer 116 includes turns wound from the second end of the optical fiber, thelayer 118 includes turns wound from the first end of the optical fiber, thelayer 120 includes turns wound from the second end of the optical fiber, thelayer 122 includes turns wound from the first end of the optical fiber, thelayer 124 includes turns wound from the first end of the optical fiber, and thelayer 126 includes turns wound from the second end of the optical fiber. One end of the optical fiber in thelayer 112 is optically connected to an end of the optical fiber in thelayer 114, and the other end of the optical fiber in thelayer 112 is optically connected to an end of the optical fiber in thelayer 118 so that thelayers layers layers - It should be noted that, if the
layer 112 is not a functional part of the winding configuration 110, then thelayer 114 includes turns wound from a first end of an optical fiber, thelayer 116 includes turns wound from a second end of the optical fiber, thelayer 118 includes turns wound from the second end of the optical fiber, and thelayer 120 includes turns wound from the first end of the optical fiber. The layers 94, 96, 98, and 100 thus form a quadrupole. A subsequent four layers may be wound as a reverse quadrupole to form an octupole with the layers 94, 96, 98, and 100. A next eight layers may be wound as a reversed octupole, and so on. - The winding configuration130 includes
layers layer 132 are wound from a first optical fiber, and the turns of thelayers layer 132 are not a functional part of the winding configuration 130 although, as discussed above, the turns in thelayer 132 could be functional. The first optical fiber that is used to wind the turns of thelayer 132 has an outer diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the second optical fiber which is used to wind thelayers - As shown in FIG. 8, the layers134-148 include alternate turns wound from the first and second ends of the second optical fiber. A specific interleaved winding pattern for the layers 134-148 is shown in FIG. 8, although other interleaved winding patterns can be employed. Examples of interleaved winding patterns are taught in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/668,485, which was filed on Jun. 21, 1996, and which has been allowed by the U.S. patent and Trademark Office. The disclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/668,485 is incorporated by reference herein.
- Certain modifications of the present invention have been discussed above. Other modifications will occur to those practicing in the art of the present invention. For example, the present invention has been described above in the context of a fiber optic rate sensor. However, the present invention may also be used in connection with other fiber optic devices as well.
- Accordingly, the description of the present invention is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode of carrying out the invention. The details may be varied substantially without departing from the spirit of the invention, and the exclusive use of all modifications which are within the scope of the appended claims is reserved.
Claims (35)
1. A fiber optic coil wound from optical fiber comprising:
a first layer of turns wound from the optical fiber, wherein the optical fiber in the first layer of turns has a first diameter;
a second layer of turns wound from the optical fiber, wherein the turns of the second layer of turns are wound around the turns of the first layer of turns, wherein the optical fiber in the second layer of turns has a second diameter, and wherein the second diameter is less than the first diameter.
2. The fiber optic coil of claim 1 wherein the turns in the first layer of turns are adjacent turns, wherein the first layer of turns has valleys between the adjacent turns, and wherein the turns of the second layer of turns occupy the valleys between the adjacent turns of the first layer of turns.
3. The fiber optic coil of claim 1 wherein the turns of the first layer of turns are touching.
4. The fiber optic coil of claim 1 wherein the first and second layers of turns are wound on a hub.
5. The fiber optic coil of claim 1 wherein the first and second layers of turns are free standing.
6. The fiber optic coil of claim 5 wherein the turns of the first and second layers of turns are bonded together by an adhesive.
7. The fiber optic coil of claim 1 wherein the turns of the first and second layers of turns are optically connected in a sensing path.
8. The fiber optic coil of claim 1 wherein the first layer of turns is a radially innermost layer of turns.
9. A fiber optic coil comprising:
a first layer of turns wound from a first portion of optical fiber, wherein the first portion of optical fiber has a first diameter, and wherein the first layer of turns has valleys;
a second layer of turns wound from a second portion of optical fiber, wherein the second portion of optical fiber has a second diameter, wherein the second layer of turns has valleys, wherein the turns of the second layer of turns occupy the valleys of the first layer of turns, and wherein the second diameter is less than the first diameter;
a third layer of turns wound from the second portion of optical fiber, wherein the third layer of turns has valleys, and wherein the turns of the third layer of turns occupy the valleys of the second layer of turns;
a fourth layer of turns wound from the second portion of optical fiber, wherein the fourth layer of turns has valleys, and wherein the turns of the fourth layer of turns occupy the valleys of the third layer of turns; and,
a fifth layer of turns wound from the second portion of optical fiber, wherein the turns of the fifth layer of turns occupy the valleys of the fourth layer of turns.
10. The fiber optic coil of claim 9 wherein the turns of the first layer of turns are touching.
11. The fiber optic coil of claim 9 wherein the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth layers of turns are wound on a hub.
12. The fiber optic coil of claim 9 wherein the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth layers of turns are free standing.
13. The fiber optic coil of claim 12 wherein the turns of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth layers of turns are bonded together by an adhesive.
14. The fiber optic coil of claim 9 wherein the turns of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth layers of turns are optically connected in a sensing path.
15. The fiber optic coil of claim 9 wherein the turns of the second, third, fourth, and fifth layers of turns, but not the turns of the first layer of turns, are optically connected in a sensing path.
16. The fiber optic coil of claim 9 wherein the first, second, third, and fourth layers of turns are wound so as to form a quadrupole.
17. The fiber optic coil of claim 9 wherein the second, third, fourth, and fifth layers of turns are wound so as to form a quadrupole.
18. The fiber optic coil of claim 9 wherein the second, third, fourth, and fifth layers of turns are wound in an interleaved winding pattern.
19. The fiber optic coil of claim 9 wherein the first layer of turns is a radially innermost layer of turns.
20. A fiber optic coil comprising:
a first layer of adjacent turns wound from an optical fiber having a first diameter;
second through ninth layers of adjacent turns wound from an optical fiber having a second diameter, wherein the second through ninth layers of adjacent turns are wound in succession over the first layer of adjacent turns, and wherein the second diameter is less than the first diameter.
21. The fiber optic coil of claim 20 wherein the turns of the first layer of turns are touching.
22. The fiber optic coil of claim 20 wherein the first through ninth layers of turns are wound on a hub.
23. The fiber optic coil of claim 20 wherein the first through ninth layers of turns are free standing.
24. The fiber optic coil of claim 23 wherein the turns of the first through ninth layers of turns are bonded together by an adhesive.
25. The fiber optic coil of claim 20 wherein the turns of the first through ninth layers of turns are optically connected in a sensing path.
26. The fiber optic coil of claim 20 wherein the turns of the second through ninth layers of turns, but not the turns of the first layer of turns, are optically connected in a sensing path.
27. The fiber optic coil of claim 20 wherein the second, third, fourth, and fifth layers of turns are wound as a first quadrupole, and wherein the sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth layers of turns are wound as a second quadrupole.
28. The fiber optic coil of claim 27 wherein the second quadrupole is a reverse of the first quadrupole.
29. The fiber optic coil of claim 20 wherein the first, second, third, and fourth layers of turns are wound as a first quadrupole, and wherein the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth layers of turns are wound as a second quadrupole.
30. The fiber optic coil of claim 29 wherein the second quadrupole is a reverse of the first quadrupole.
31. The fiber optic coil of claim 20 wherein at least one of the second through ninth layers of turns is wound in an interleaved winding pattern.
32. The fiber optic coil of claim 20 wherein the second through ninth layers of turns are wound in an interleaved winding pattern.
33. The fiber optic coil of claim 20 wherein the first layer of turns is a radially innermost layer of turns.
34. The fiber optic coil of claim 20 wherein the optical fiber having the first diameter is spliced to the optical fiber having the second diameter.
35. The fiber optic coil of claim 20 wherein the optical fiber having the first diameter is an enlarged portion of the optical fiber having the second diameter.
Priority Applications (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/174,833 US20020003936A1 (en) | 1998-10-19 | 1998-10-19 | Fine spaced winding pattern for fiber optic coil |
JP2000577457A JP3740015B2 (en) | 1998-10-19 | 1999-10-07 | Optical fiber coil winding pattern |
EP99953088A EP1123486B1 (en) | 1998-10-19 | 1999-10-07 | Winding pattern for fiber optic coils |
PCT/US1999/023381 WO2000023765A1 (en) | 1998-10-19 | 1999-10-07 | Winding pattern for fiber optic coils |
CA002347738A CA2347738A1 (en) | 1998-10-19 | 1999-10-07 | Winding pattern for fiber optic coils |
DE69922531T DE69922531T2 (en) | 1998-10-19 | 1999-10-07 | WINDING FOR FIBER OPTICAL COILS |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/174,833 US20020003936A1 (en) | 1998-10-19 | 1998-10-19 | Fine spaced winding pattern for fiber optic coil |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20020003936A1 true US20020003936A1 (en) | 2002-01-10 |
Family
ID=22637716
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/174,833 Abandoned US20020003936A1 (en) | 1998-10-19 | 1998-10-19 | Fine spaced winding pattern for fiber optic coil |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20020003936A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1123486B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP3740015B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2347738A1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE69922531T2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2000023765A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20030007775A1 (en) * | 2001-06-13 | 2003-01-09 | The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. | Method of winding optical fiber on reel |
US20040162600A1 (en) * | 2003-02-14 | 2004-08-19 | Medtronic, Inc. | Reverse wound electrodes |
US20060268280A1 (en) * | 2005-05-27 | 2006-11-30 | Honeywell International, Inc. | Method for winding sensing coils and sensing coil for fiber optic gyroscopes |
US20170113036A1 (en) * | 2007-03-19 | 2017-04-27 | Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation | Mri and rf compatible leads and related methods of operating and fabricating leads |
CN107532905A (en) * | 2015-04-21 | 2018-01-02 | 埃艾克斯布鲁公司 | For manufacturing method, fiber optic coils and the fibre optic interferometer of fiber optic coils |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4752043A (en) * | 1985-11-04 | 1988-06-21 | U.S. Holding Company, Inc. | Method of and apparatus for winding a precision optical fiber coil |
US4793708A (en) * | 1987-03-27 | 1988-12-27 | Litton Systems Canada Limited | Fiber optic sensing coil |
US5181270A (en) * | 1991-08-09 | 1993-01-19 | Hughes Aircraft Company | Optical fiber canister |
US5492281A (en) * | 1993-10-04 | 1996-02-20 | Corning Incorporated | Base layer of coated glass fiber for a bobbin |
JP3357061B2 (en) * | 1993-12-22 | 2002-12-16 | ハネウエル・インコーポレーテッド | Optical fiber coil and winding method |
US5767509A (en) * | 1996-12-24 | 1998-06-16 | Litton Systems, Inc. | Fiber optic sensor coil including buffer regions |
-
1998
- 1998-10-19 US US09/174,833 patent/US20020003936A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
1999
- 1999-10-07 WO PCT/US1999/023381 patent/WO2000023765A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1999-10-07 JP JP2000577457A patent/JP3740015B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1999-10-07 EP EP99953088A patent/EP1123486B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1999-10-07 CA CA002347738A patent/CA2347738A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1999-10-07 DE DE69922531T patent/DE69922531T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20030007775A1 (en) * | 2001-06-13 | 2003-01-09 | The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. | Method of winding optical fiber on reel |
US6744959B2 (en) * | 2001-06-13 | 2004-06-01 | The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. | Method of winding optical fiber on reel |
US20040151453A1 (en) * | 2001-06-13 | 2004-08-05 | The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. | Method of winding optical fiber on reel |
US6819848B2 (en) | 2001-06-13 | 2004-11-16 | The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. | Method of winding optical fiber on reel |
US20040162600A1 (en) * | 2003-02-14 | 2004-08-19 | Medtronic, Inc. | Reverse wound electrodes |
US6920361B2 (en) | 2003-02-14 | 2005-07-19 | Medtronic, Inc. | Reverse wound electrodes |
US20060268280A1 (en) * | 2005-05-27 | 2006-11-30 | Honeywell International, Inc. | Method for winding sensing coils and sensing coil for fiber optic gyroscopes |
US7369246B2 (en) * | 2005-05-27 | 2008-05-06 | Honeywell Bnternational Inc. | Method for winding sensing coils and sensing coil for fiber optic gyroscopes |
US20170113036A1 (en) * | 2007-03-19 | 2017-04-27 | Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation | Mri and rf compatible leads and related methods of operating and fabricating leads |
US10391307B2 (en) * | 2007-03-19 | 2019-08-27 | Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation | MRI and RF compatible leads and related methods of operating and fabricating leads |
CN107532905A (en) * | 2015-04-21 | 2018-01-02 | 埃艾克斯布鲁公司 | For manufacturing method, fiber optic coils and the fibre optic interferometer of fiber optic coils |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP3740015B2 (en) | 2006-01-25 |
DE69922531D1 (en) | 2005-01-13 |
EP1123486A1 (en) | 2001-08-16 |
JP2002527763A (en) | 2002-08-27 |
DE69922531T2 (en) | 2005-12-15 |
EP1123486B1 (en) | 2004-12-08 |
CA2347738A1 (en) | 2000-04-27 |
WO2000023765A1 (en) | 2000-04-27 |
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